After two periods of the Oilers/Devils game Oilersnation was on the verge of a mental breakdown. The season was going to be over. The Oilers were destined for another top-ten pick, and I even received my first outlandish trade request of the season.

I was asked about a Nail Yakupov for Ryan Miller trade. Trading a 19-year-old first overall pick for a soon-to-be UFA, 33 year-old goalie, is the definition of panic. Or delusion. Calm down, three games does not make a season, but I don't believe you can downplay last night's third period.

Through 40 minutes the Oilers looked disinterested, excluding one excellent rush by Ales Hemsky, that actually started with a lucky bounce after a bad clearing pass.

It took the Oilers almost ten and a half minutes to register a shot on goal, and after 40 minutes they had more turnovers than shots on goal, eleven.

The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Oilerville 20 this night...

But then they got a break.

Bryce Salvador shot the puck over the glass at 5:19 of the third frame, and that minor miscue injected some much needed energy into a listless Oilers squad.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored 24 seconds later on powerplay and suddenly the Oilers had a pulse.

Three minutes and 45 seconds later Andrew Ference scored on a shot from the point, and Rexall Place erupted. Prior to that the biggest applause was for Joey Moss' 50th birthday celebration.

Two minutes and 19 seconds later David Perron ripped one over Brodeur's shoulder and the game was tied. Prior to that shot, Perron, like most of his teammates, was fighting the puck, but once he scored you could literally see his body replenishing with confidence.

One minute and 43 seconds later Taylor Hall found himself all alone in front of Martin Brodeur, after a nifty tap/push pass from Ales Hemsky. Hall made a quick move to avoid the pokecheck and slid it home for a 4-3 lead. Prior to that goal, Hall had been visibly frustrated. He couldn't make a pass, and he'd been fighting the puck during the previous 153 minutes of play. His goal celebration and reaction seemed like more relieve than joy, but like Perron, suddenly Hall had confidence with the puck.

To add to the drama the Devils got a lucky goal in the final minute to send the game to overtime, before Jordan Eberle and Perron displayed their version of shootout "Horse." Eberle went first, had a few quick stick handles/dangles, before roofing a backhander upstairs. Perron mirrored Eberle's attempt, and then Jason LaBarbera stopped Ryan Clowe for the victory.

The Oilers clearly needed the win, but I think the psyche of the fanbase might have needed it more.

By the sounds of it, some of you turned the game off after 40 minutes and missed the epic comeback, but for those who stuck through the painfully agonizing first two periods, for once you were rewarded for your undying loyalty.

OTHER TIDBITS

It was a great comeback, but it doesn't overshadow the fact the Oilers are still turning the puck over far too frequently, and most of the turnovers are coming from their skilled forwards. Dallas Eakins will have lots of examples to show during their video session. If the turnovers don't stop, I'm curious to see when or who he will use to make an example of. It is a bad habit that needs to stop, if the Oilers are serious about becoming a contender in the next few seasons.

Ryan Hamilton didn't come out for the third period, and for the final 22 minutes (17 regulation and 5 in OT) Eakins only used eight forwards.

Nugent-Hopkins played a career-high 28:12. Does anyone still think they rushed him back?
Hall played 25:44.
Perron played 25:15
Eberle played 22:34

Eakins isn't afraid to use his skilled guys. I don't believe he can use them that often all season, but they are young and in certain situations it makes sense.

Anton Belov was bumped ahead of Ladislav Smid. Belov played with Petry and logged 21:33 of icetime. He looks more comfortable every game.

Currently the Oilers have four of the top-14 forwards in TOI. Nugent-Hopkins is first, albeit in one game, while Hall is 2nd at 23:05, Perron is 11th at 21:39 and Eberle is 14th at 21:23.

Last season, Carolina, Minnesota, Tampa Bay and the Rangers each had two forwards in the top-14 of TOI for forwards. I suspect you'll see Nugent-Hopkins and Hall up there this year.

So far Boyd Gordon has more shots, 8, than Yakupov, 6. That is great for Gordon, but Yakupov needs to use his potent shot more.

15 Oilers have points in the first three games. Only Yakupov, Belov, Nick Schultz, Mike Brown and Ryan Hamilton haven't registered a point. That is very balanced scoring.

Marc Arcobello is 3rd on the Oilers in hits with eight. He isn't running over guys, but Arcobello has shown a willingness to finish his checks and get in the way. He's done a lot of the small things well thus far.

The Oilers have given up 15 goals in three games. That is horrendous. Neither goalie has been stellar, but they aren't the only ones to blame. While the 3rd period was a treat to watch, the Oilers have to clean up their defensive zone before making stops in Toronto, Washington, Pittsburgh, New York (NYI), Ottawa and Montreal.

Twelve of their next 16 games are on the road, which makes Thursday's home game against the Habs a really-really-need-to-win game.

It is early, but once again the Oilers are near the top in minor penalties. The Oilers have been shorthanded 13 times thus far. In the last three years, the Oilers were shorthanded the 5th, 5th and 3rd most times. They need to cut down on their penalties. It is a disturbing trend.

Most teams have only played two or three game, yet we only have six undefeated teams remaining. Toronto is the only 3-0 team, while Pittsburgh, Boston, Colorado, St.Louis and San Jose are 2-0. I'll pick the Penguins to have the longest undefeated streak, not including SO losses.

Tough break for Fantasy Football owners of Julio Jones. He is done for the season. Ouch.

I have no issue with the new Hockey Canada Jerseys. I think the white ones will look sharp.

Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed won't be back after the season, and I doubt many of the position coaches will be either. Rumours came out of Winnipeg last week that Stampeders D coordinator, Rick Campbell, is a leading candidate to replace Reed. That won't happen. Campbell is a good coach, much better than some think, but Ed Hervey will hire someone with no previous connection to the Eskimos. He doesn't seem like a revisionist history type of guy.

One of Canada's most versatile sports personalities. Jason hosts The Jason Gregor Show, weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., on TSN 1260, and he writes a column every Monday in the Edmonton Journal. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JasonGregor

Hemsky playing hard for UFA contract for next season .Horcoff had 2 seasons to go , thus they dumped him . I doubt Hemsky will bypass Free agency , probably last year playing here. Trade bait , or lose for nothing ?

Arcobello third on the team in hits! AHAHHAHAHAHAHHAAA!!!!! Good on you Arco!

Nevertheless that is alarming, yet not surprising. Not a lot of guys are finishing their checks out there. I guess they are too skilled!

I'm not saying hits win games but it sure helps to get things back on track when the puck isn't bouncing your way. Things not working out? Work hard, make simple plays, finish your checks, take a shot instead of risk a fancy pass. I really really think this is the Oilers' number one problem.

I'm not sure how since they've been at the bottom of the league for so long, but it's almost like this team thinks they are too skilled or good to do all of the above. I hope Eakins can break them out of this horrible horrible habit.

I can take a loss if they work hard and do the simple things. I just haven't seen it yet this year.

I've been an Oilers fan since I watched the 88 Oilers Bruins final, and I feel very similarly. I'm now a fragile fan, and may in fact need prozac...

It's going to be a while before I feel completely comfortable investing myself in the hope of Oilers' success. I've been burned too many times, and until I see some evidence of a real swell of upward momentum, I'm probably not going to really love this team.

They're still my team, and we're in therapy trying to fix a broken relationship, but I'm not in love the way I used to be.

You forgot the most important conclusion. According to the uber-knowledgable djc and Harry(palms?) the beloved Quicksilver is a whiny troll. Hmmm, and here I thought he was just a realistic, long time fan expressing his opinion.

Ohhhh you are so right JG in that I was one ready to dice and slice up the way the Oilers were playing, especially when they were embarassed against the Canucks thye game before. Should've, Could've, and definitely....the team had to come out flying against these Devils...and they did not (for 45 minutes anyways). The sticks were gripped too much and the tenseness was sooooo visible.

I was ohhhh so close to changing the channel by the end of the 2nd period...but....I gutted it out like the Oilers did in the third...lol.

Now, there was no such displayed confidence for the team and far too many tunrovers again....during the first 40-43 minutes. Also, I saw LaBarbera not play any to much better than Dubnyk's first two horrible games, and but yet, he did very well in the shootout....got the win.

But, But, But......Thank goodness for Nuge coming back and stroking up the team with his goal. Thank goodness the flood gates opened finally the right way and good for Ference, Perron and Hall.

Last I want say its great the Oilers won.... which I dearly want them to do alot of this year...and also, I will say I am very pleased with Gordon and Hemsky right now. Koodoes to Arcobello and Acton again with play and faceoffs.

Now please someone help Yak get scoring right away!!! Now Lets get a big win over them Habs!!!!!!

Smyth doesn't need to retire just yet. He needs to be used sparingly and lower down the batting order. That's all. He's still got compete and is a vault of experience. Now, with saying that, should he jump into the 3rd line LW if Hamilton and Joensuu are still hurt on Thurs? No. Bring up Eager or even Pitlick. Some speed and some grit will help, IMO.

On Pitlick: What a training camp! Nice sh*t. Kid's putting it together.

Perron. I like this cat! Straight up prick. Man, we needed one of these for years. A prick with skillz. The other night he was grabbing legs and getting dirty in the scrums. I had a flash back of Jacky Moon (Will Farrell) screaming, “Somebody hit somebody!” And, last night competing hard right off of a face off. Me like. A lot.

I want more scrums.

Good on Hemsky.

Criticizing Hall is asinine. Center didn't work. It probably pucked with his psyche. He'll be fine. He's just trying too hard I believe. Nice goal on a future Hall of Famer.

Gordon IS better than Horcoff. Sorry. Hits more and that helps cause positive plays. Nice pickup and dump.

Fistric would be nice right about now. Need a heavy D when things get ugly in their own zone. It's a definite need. One I hope isn't costly.

Still not sold on Arcobello. But, not hating either. What's for certain is that this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Good for him.

You do know Hemsky leads the team in scoring right?
It's a long season and Hemmer goes through great streaks and then randomly comes up lame ... But at this stage, *not* letting him go in exchange for a bag of pucks has to be seen as a very very wise decision.

I also noticed Dubby was the first guy over to Labarbera at the end with a huge smile on his face. You can't deny Dubnyks attitude is great. I hope he stands on his head next game and gets some mojo back.

Who do they start next game?? Neither guy has been great. Lab just got a win but I'm sure Dubby is itching to get back in and prove hes capable.

I was surprised Smid was used so little in comparison to Belov. It says volumes about what this organization sees in Belov. Seeing Smid as a 5th defensemen is a good sign that we have depth at that position. I still would love to see a nasty number 6 defensemen, but oh well a defence 5 solid guys deep is nice.

Why don't you stalk and hassle Jason Gregor as well, when he predicts the exact same thing in his GDB's? Don't you ever get sick of forcing yourself to like this shippy team some nights. You've obviously been fooled into thinking this is some sort of reverse upward trend here these last 5 yrs.

Stalk and hassle?

Your constant put downs of this team are making me and others sick. Ive only been here a couple months and all I read from you is whining crying BS. Grow up

"The Oilers clearly needed the win, but I think the psyche of the fanbase might have needed it more."........That line right there sums things up pretty nicely. After that Canucks game I needed that win as I'm sure most of us did.

With a rookie coach and lots of new faces you had to think they might start a little shaky. Hopefully they got the monkey off their back now and put forth some solid efforts on the road. I'm still expecting a fair bit of inconsistency in them though as they have only really played 3 good periods of hockey so far.

Perron is great so far. Like someone already said, he's kind of a prick and has some skills too. Beauty goal last night by him, heads up play on the faceoff.

Hall should settle in now and start to light it up. Nuge really saved the day getting Hall off center and back where he belongs. Watching Hall, Nuge & Ebs celebrating goals together is pretty sweet.

Any word on Joensu. I was really liking his game before getting hurt. Him and Perron give us some nice grit in the top nine. Gordon as well has been more gritty and physical than Horcoff was. And he is a beast in the face off dot. 68% are you kidding me? Was suprised to see Arcebello with a good face off percentage as well. Hopefully we can keep this up against Montreal since our turnovers and penalties haven't been good.

Speaking of Montreal, that should be a fun game as they are not as trap defence as New Jersey. Especially when New Jersey got the lead, they just would not forecheck and the Oilers had to go through so many players in the neutral zone. Nice to watch the kids play against greats like Jagr and Broduer. The key to that game was always going to be to come hard in the late game as our youth and speed became a bigger advantage as the game went on. I kind of wish Schnider was in net, just because the Oilers seem to light him up, but again, it was nice to a legend like Brodure one last time in Edmonton.

Great finish, still some problems, hopefully we can shore them up as the season goes on.

First off, Belov might be the teams best defenseman so far. I think that if he's playing well then Eakins should reward him.

Second, when the Oilers started churning out the offensive blender (only using 8 forwards), it seemed like the game changed dramatically. Prior to the shortening of the bench the Oilers seemed extremely stagnant and the game seemed like it was going to slip away from the Oilers. There seemed to be no pressure being applied in the offensive zone and the Devils were clearing the zone with ease. Then the Oilers entered attack mode. It was hard to keep track of who was on the ice and the almost randomness of the lines seemed to put the Devils at a disadvantage. With the Oilers offensive talent I think that running a system like this has many positives. If the fourth line can have their player weaved in occasionally, for player relief and to maintain a more physical presence, I think that the Oilers become a much harder team to match up against (ie. harder to shutdown one line when that line is always changing). Obviously you would have certain pairings and groupings that would remain favored but having a more dynamic approach to line combinations could benefit the Oilers.

Third, we were pretty bad in OT. Nearly every breakout ended up sending one Oiler way ahead into a 1v2 or 1v3 scenario that the Devils were easily stopping. A more balanced attack would result in more offensive zone penetration and would most likely end up with a few more scoring chances. I think the first step to cleaning this up would be giving the defensemen more freedom to carry the puck out of the zone during OT over firing off the long pass. This keeps the attacked more balanced and offers more time to read the defensive setup as well as setup the attack to break into the zone.

It was great to see the Oilers finally get some life back into their game and hopefully they will be able to carry some of the third period into Thursdays game.

This year more than any other is about cap room. It is also the only time (or next year when everyone seems to agree there will be far more cap room) teams can (or rather could) buy out two of their contracts. Thus the smart thing to do if an owner was Willing to spend the dough - was to buy out the two most expensive/underperforming contracts.

In edms case that was Horcoff and hemsky. Doing so would have reaped the most cap room and opened up two roster spots. That hemsky was essentially untradable - to hear it from MacT at least - puts paid to the wisdom of buying him out rather than being stuck with him. (It is not about "saving money" it's about getting more cap room when the market for it is at a historical peak.

That he has played well in three games is irrelevant. He has skills that are surplus to the team when compared to what the team needs (and as was demonstrated in those same three games). Either he or one of the four untouchables has to be moved to make room. His presence indeed does hurt the team by blocking the addition of a player who bring some of the attributes the steam is starving for.

As for fixing in one season all that ails the team - MacT let his love/allegiance/stubbornness prevent him from moving the surplus - hemsky, gagner; pruning the deadwood - Smyth and hiring retreads when other options were available (at the cost of significant and inflexible cap room) - grebeshkov. More could have been done - MacT promised more AND DID NOT deliver primarily because of flaws in his attitude. Hiring an outsider without his baggage likely would have seen far more get done towards curing what ails this team.

Actually the smart thing to do would be to trade those players (Horcoff and Hemsky) for other assets...oh that's right, MacT did that with Horcoff (a fact you conveniently neglected to mention).

Buy out Hemsky and sign whom? One of those first line centres that were begging to come to Edmonton? You must assume Lecavalier, Ribero and Weiss were falling over each other to sign here.

And what players was MacT unable to sign because of Grebs 1.5 million hit?

Actually the smart thing to do would be to trade those players (Horcoff and Hemsky) for other assets...oh that's right, MacT did that with Horcoff (a fact you conveniently neglected to mention).

Buy out Hemsky and sign whom? One of those first line centres that were begging to come to Edmonton? You must assume Lecavalier, Ribero and Weiss were falling over each other to sign here.

And what players was MacT unable to sign because of Grebs 1.5 million hit?

I concur. Hemsky at 5 mil is a slight overpay of what a few hundred thousand. You trade the guy for assets not dump for nothing. If the cap stayed at 70 mil he would of been traded. The one team I thought may pick him up was NJ. Lou gotta a pretty display of his skill level with that sick toe drag on Larsson. Brodeur was all world with the mitten on the play. Anyways, detractors of Hemsky who want to dump the guy who I believe can still be a Corsi -demon, and top drawer zone entry specialist and set up man should be shot. Lets pay the 5 million, enjoy the show, and wish him adieu at the trade deadline or hopefully in the playoffs. There will be many nights he will be our best player. The guy shows up when healthy. He's been a leader this year, and has been impressive. Boyd Gordon seems to be a perfect fit with him. Hopefully him and Perron can work some chemistry. Would love to see Peron net 25-30.

Havent read all the comments but I thought Anton Belov has been awful in the first two games. His play in the second period yesterday was particularly sloppy and careless. I'll take Smid in a heartbeat over more minutes for Belov.

Your constant put downs of this team are making me and others sick. Ive only been here a couple months and all I read from you is whining crying BS. Grow up

Your visits to Oilersnation will be much less aggravating if you just skip over comments from the whiny trolls (Quicksliver, DSF, serious Gord, etc).

They all seem to be the same person - cranky seniors, experts about hockey, always talking about how they have been fans since the 80s but stopped supporting current management, calling others who don't agree with them "fanboys" and "drinking the Koolaid", blah, blah, blah.

They say they hate the current Oilers yet they have the time to post on an Oilers fan website 50 times a day. It's pretty sad they are so desperate for attention. Just ignore them and hopefully one day they will just go away.

Where in any of this statement did the topic of dreaming come up there sugar plum princess?

Take off your rose colored glasses. There's a very fine line between negativity and being a realist. Your predictable Oiler methamphetamine attitude has grown stale.

Qucker Silver Douche bag wrote "Don't you ever get sick of forcing yourself to like this shippy team some nights. You've obviously been fooled into thinking this is some sort of reverse upward trend here these last 5 yrs"

We force ourselves/dream that our team is on a upward trend and going to win. That's what makes this Oilersnation and if you don't like it go some where else to troll.

I told myself during the second intermission that I would only watch the first 10 mins of the third and see if they could do anything, So glad I did! Can't say I'm surprised the Devils tied it up but I was surprised Jagr didn't score in OT. He has been an Oiler killer for ever!!! Nice third period effort for Eakins first win and now they have something to build on.

Hemsky should have been dealt rather than signed - look at his performance since he signed - not three games. He ties up to much cap room delivering a skill set we already have a surplus of. Cap space is golden in this year more than any other before or since.

I don't give a crap about MacT's non-GM experience - nor should you. Gretz was a great player and a lousy coach. MacT has thusfar failed to address issues that even he has admitted need addressing.

I for one did not "flip" about pajaarvi. Good player again a player with a skillset we didn't need.

The rest of your post is a complaint without substance.

Tambellini re-signed Hemksy not MacTavish. Can't fault him for signing a player before he was the GM. Just saying.

MacT has done some things to improve the team - Perron, Gordon and (perhaps) belov are positive acquisitions.

But he has done a lot of damage in two ways:

roster changes - adding grebeshkov for example,

and not making changes - leaving dubnyk as #1
signing gagner; keeping hemsky instead of trading/buying him out; no significant 1/2 line fierceness added etc.

so on the whole MacT has not done "nothing"

he has in toto - done DAMAGE both in the near term and in the long term.

I certainly don't agree with your conclusion but your bring up some interesting points.

As previously stated, what has Grebs done to harm the team from the IR? He might eat up cap space if he can't play well enough to break into the rotation. If this comes to pass how MacT handles that might be a better meter stick to judge him by.

MacT has been quite frank about where the team needs to improve. He hasn't sugar coated his opinion of DD and he made a significant pitch for Schneider. Apparently Gillis wanted the world for Schneider and any potential deal fell through. Doesn`t mean MacT still isn`t looking to improve, but deals during the season are rare.

Size and grit up front was sought by giving Clarkson an offer with more $ than the buds but he chose the buds (IMO long term this will not be a bad thing for the Oil).

I`m not a great Gagner fan, but the Oil and terribly thin at center with him, if they chose not to sign, that`s a huge risk and Arcabello and Acton might not just be short term injury replacements. Ganger does not have a NT so there is still hope he will be dealt for a player that brings some of the things the Oil lack.

MacT hasn`t addressed all the teams needs, but he seems realistic in his assessment of what they need. Ticking off the entire shopping list in one off season might not be a realistic expectation.

The Oilers went hard after Clarkson and didn't get him. They were willing to overpay to get him. IF they bought out Hemsky, there is NO guarantee they would just magically add these players you talk about.

You make it sound like being a GM is easy. That a GM should be able to make every move he wants to make. Doesn't work that way.

MacTavish made it clear he would move Hemsky, but he wisely didn't give him away for nothing. He can still deal Hemsky, and his trade value will be much higher now that he is playing well.

FYI the Oilers can still buy out a player next year. They didn't have to do it this year.

First off, Belov might be the teams best defenseman so far. I think that if he's playing well then Eakins should reward him.

Second, when the Oilers started churning out the offensive blender (only using 8 forwards), it seemed like the game changed dramatically. Prior to the shortening of the bench the Oilers seemed extremely stagnant and the game seemed like it was going to slip away from the Oilers. There seemed to be no pressure being applied in the offensive zone and the Devils were clearing the zone with ease. Then the Oilers entered attack mode. It was hard to keep track of who was on the ice and the almost randomness of the lines seemed to put the Devils at a disadvantage. With the Oilers offensive talent I think that running a system like this has many positives. If the fourth line can have their player weaved in occasionally, for player relief and to maintain a more physical presence, I think that the Oilers become a much harder team to match up against (ie. harder to shutdown one line when that line is always changing). Obviously you would have certain pairings and groupings that would remain favored but having a more dynamic approach to line combinations could benefit the Oilers.

Third, we were pretty bad in OT. Nearly every breakout ended up sending one Oiler way ahead into a 1v2 or 1v3 scenario that the Devils were easily stopping. A more balanced attack would result in more offensive zone penetration and would most likely end up with a few more scoring chances. I think the first step to cleaning this up would be giving the defensemen more freedom to carry the puck out of the zone during OT over firing off the long pass. This keeps the attacked more balanced and offers more time to read the defensive setup as well as setup the attack to break into the zone.

It was great to see the Oilers finally get some life back into their game and hopefully they will be able to carry some of the third period into Thursdays game.

I wanted to tune out of that game but something kept me watching. There was nothing to suggest that we were coming back in that game but I felt like both teams were doing an equal amount of nothing and the score shouldn't have been that lopsided. The Oilers seem to have a few of those miracle comebacks at home every season.

Confidence is a funny thing. RNH and Ference were already playing well before their goals but Perron and Hall really found another gear after their goals. Yakupov just needs a break and his play will improve. He exemplifies what Eakins was talking about the other day with players who are inconsistent from shift to shift.

Fans dont predict the team will lose before the puck has even been dropped.

Your behavior towards edm is exactly how Canuck fans act.

Get your stuff together

Fans don't predict that their team will lose before the game starts, which it what is killing me at Streakcred! I can't predict a loss for the Oilers, but against NJ I thought they would struggle, so I went for the "skip" option. Another mistake apparently!

I'm one of those people who tuned out after the 2nd out of utter disgust and depression. thank god they finally found the next gear in the 3rd. can they use that experience as a memory and dial it up from the start of the the game from now? I guess the bigger question is why they are still needing a lucky break to find the next gear? they are not rookies anymore, yet they play like members of Davos, Switzerland. Every other team at least works hard and hits. Only the Oilers play more flat minutes than up tempo minutes. it is dumbfounding.